November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on an often-overlooked part of diabetes management: foot health.
Diabetes can affect your feet in ways you may not notice right away. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves and affect circulation, increasing the risk of injuries, infections, and wounds that are slow to heal.
The good news? A few simple daily habits, appropriate footwear, and regular podiatric care can make a big difference in protecting your feet.
Why Diabetes Makes Foot Care So Important
Diabetes can lead to two complications that significantly affect foot health:
Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
Diabetic neuropathy can cause tingling, burning, numbness, or a loss of sensation in the feet. When you can't feel pain normally, a small blister, cut, or sore may go unnoticed until it becomes a more serious problem.
Poor Circulation
Diabetes can also contribute to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the feet. Poor circulation can slow wound healing and increase the risk of infection and other complications.
When nerve damage and poor circulation occur together, even a minor foot injury can become a significant health concern.
5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Feet
Taking care of your feet doesn't have to be complicated. These five habits can help reduce your risk of diabetes-related foot problems.
1. Check Your Feet Every Day
Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, sores, or changes in skin color. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you have difficulty seeing the bottoms of your feet.
2. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry carefully, especially between your toes. Apply moisturizer to dry skin, but avoid putting lotion between your toes.
3. Never Walk Barefoot
Even at home, walking barefoot increases your risk of stepping on something sharp or developing an unnoticed injury. Wear protective, properly fitting shoes or slippers.
4. Choose Shoes That Fit Properly
Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or poorly constructed can create pressure points, blisters, and skin irritation. Inspect the inside of your shoes before putting them on to check for foreign objects or rough areas.
5. Schedule Regular Diabetic Foot Exams
A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, sensation, skin health, and foot structure to identify potential problems early. The frequency of examinations depends on your individual risk factors.
How Diabetic Shoes Can Help Protect Your Feet
For people with diabetes, footwear is about much more than comfort.
Therapeutic diabetic shoes and custom or specialized inserts are designed to accommodate the foot, reduce excessive pressure, and minimize friction that could lead to skin breakdown.
These shoes may be particularly beneficial for patients with neuropathy, foot deformities, a history of ulcers, or other qualifying conditions.
At Sol Foot & Ankle Centers, our Diabetic Shoe Program helps eligible patients obtain therapeutic footwear designed to support their foot health and reduce the risk of complications.
Depending on medical eligibility and insurance coverage, some patients may qualify for diabetic shoes and inserts through Medicare or other insurance plans.
Learn More About Our Diabetic Shoe Program
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
If you have diabetes, don't ignore changes in your feet. Contact your podiatrist if you notice:
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New numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
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Persistent foot pain or swelling
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Changes in skin color or temperature
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Corns, calluses, or areas of unusual pressure
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Ingrown toenails or signs of infection
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Cuts, blisters, or sores that are not healing
Important: If you develop an open wound, spreading redness, drainage, or signs of infection, seek prompt medical attention. A foot wound with fever, rapidly worsening redness, or blackened tissue requires urgent evaluation.
Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Feet
National Diabetes Awareness Month is a great reminder that protecting your feet is an important part of managing diabetes.
At Sol Foot & Ankle Centers, Dr. Richard Graves, Dr. Jadali, and our team are committed to helping patients prevent complications, maintain mobility, and enjoy healthier, more active lives.
Whether you need a comprehensive diabetic foot examination, have concerns about changes in your feet, or want to learn more about our Diabetic Shoe Program, we're here to help.
Call (562) 433-0478 to schedule an appointment at one of our Long Beach locations, or visit www.solfoot.com.
Healthy feet are an important part of living well with diabetes.
